CHICAGO — In a strategic move to enhance their roster, the Washington Mystics have traded two-time All-Star Ariel Atkins to the Chicago Sky in exchange for the third overall selection in the upcoming draft on Sunday.
Washington will also receive a second-round pick from Chicago in the year 2027, along with the option to swap first-round draft picks that same year.
General Manager Jamila Wideman expressed the team’s commitment to building a successful future for the Mystics. In a statement, she explained, “We are focused on creating a sustainable program that aims for a period of competitiveness in the next chapter of Mystics basketball. This journey requires careful planning, patience, and sometimes tough choices.” She noted that trading a beloved player like Ariel Atkins—who brought both accolades and championship glory to the franchise—was indeed a challenging decision. However, she emphasized that this trade provides a chance to recruit a promising young talent from the draft who can shape the team’s future aspirations.
Atkins was a vital player for Washington, contributing to the team’s playoff appearances in five out of her seven seasons since being selected seventh overall in the 2018 draft. She played a significant role in the Mystics’ WNBA championship victory in 2019 and was the last remaining player from that title-winning squad. Furthermore, she added an Olympic gold medal to her achievements with Team USA in 2021.
The Sky are looking forward to integrating Atkins into their lineup, where she will add veteran experience alongside emerging stars such as Chennedy Carter, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso. Following a disappointing 13-27 season that culminated in missing the playoffs, the team parted ways with first-year head coach Teresa Weatherspoon. Tyler Marsh was subsequently appointed as the new head coach in November.
This offseason, Chicago has also welcomed back veteran Courtney Vandersloot, the franchise’s all-time assists leader, who played a crucial part in the Sky’s championship run in 2021.
Atkins, a two-time All-Star (2021, 2022), has an impressive career average of 13.4 points, 3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Last season, she led the Mystics in scoring, averaging 14.9 points per game. In addition, she holds several franchise records, including most 3-pointers made (397) and ranks second in steals (313) as well as third in points (2,914) and assists (525). Remarkably, she is the first player in WNBA history to earn a spot on the All-Defensive team in each of her first five seasons.
Sky General Manager Jeff Pagliocca commended Atkins’s impressive contributions to the league since her debut, stating, “Ariel has had a significant impact since her first year. She stands out as an exceptional leader and is capable of elevating her teammates’ performance. As a noteworthy defensive player and reliable scorer, she represents a dual threat on offense and defense. Her addition will be integral as we aim to build a team that can contend for the playoffs.”
The Mystics are undergoing changes following a disappointing campaign that saw them finish ninth in the league at 14-26, resulting in their second consecutive year without playoff qualification. The organization has brought in Wideman as general manager and Sydney Johnson as the new head coach following the firing of previous coach Eric Thibault and his father, GM Mike Thibault, in December.
